Boston and Shimla Brace for Major Snowstorms

Boston is preparing for a significant winter storm expected to bring between 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 centimeters) of snow from Sunday through Monday. The National Weather Service has issued warnings indicating that travel conditions could become "very difficult to impossible" during this period, particularly overnight into Monday morning. The storm is anticipated to be the most substantial snowfall event in Boston in four years, coinciding with dangerously low temperatures that have prompted city officials to declare a cold emergency.

Boston’s 18-Inch Snow Deluge to Make Travel Hard to ‘Impossible’FIRST ALERT: Dangerous cold sets in before up to 20 inches of snowfallWhen will snow start? Mass. residents prepare for massive snowstormWith Major Snowstorm Coming, Boston University Closes Charles River, Fenway, and Medical Campuses Sunday at Noon Through Monday

Governor Maura Healey has advised non-essential state employees to work from home on Monday, urging residents to avoid travel as snow begins to fall around late morning. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is mobilizing over 3,000 pieces of equipment for snow removal, while Mayor Michelle Wu has opened youth centers as warming stations for those in need.

Boston’s 18-Inch Snow Deluge to Make Travel Hard to ‘Impossible’

In response to the impending storm, Boston University has announced the closure of its Charles River, Fenway, and Medical Campuses starting at noon on Sunday, lasting through Monday. Classes and virtual meetings are canceled, with only essential staff required to report. The university's shuttle services will operate on a reduced schedule, and library services will be suspended until Tuesday morning.

With Major Snowstorm Coming, Boston University Closes Charles River, Fenway, and Medical Campuses Sunday at Noon Through MondayBoston’s 18-Inch Snow Deluge to Make Travel Hard to ‘Impossible’FIRST ALERT: Dangerous cold sets in before up to 20 inches of snowfall

The storm is expected to bring not only heavy snowfall but also wind gusts reaching 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour), contributing to hazardous conditions. As temperatures are predicted to remain in the single digits, the city has urged residents to check on vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those experiencing homelessness.

Boston’s 18-Inch Snow Deluge to Make Travel Hard to ‘Impossible’

Simultaneously, Shimla and surrounding areas in Himachal Pradesh are experiencing heavy snowfall, which has brought normal life to a standstill. Major roads, including the Chandigarh–Shimla–Manali corridor, have been closed due to the snow, and residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel. The snowfall, which has been ongoing for over 24 hours, has reached up to half a foot in some areas, with higher elevations receiving even more.

Heavy Spell of Snow Close Shimla City, Uphill Roads , Manali -Atal Tunel and Shimla-Narkanda Kinnaur HighwaysSnowfall In Shimla, Apple Belt and Upper Himachal Bring Cheers To Farmers and TouristsFIRST ALERT: Dangerous cold sets in before up to 20 inches of snowfall

The heavy snow is a welcome relief for apple growers and farmers, who have faced a prolonged dry spell. The fresh snowfall is expected to recharge water sources and improve conditions for agriculture, particularly for apple orchards that require adequate chill hours for healthy growth.

Snowfall In Shimla, Apple Belt and Upper Himachal Bring Cheers To Farmers and Tourists

However, the snowfall has also exposed weaknesses in infrastructure, particularly in Kagnadhar, where residents faced prolonged power outages due to downed transmission lines. Locals criticized the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board for inadequate maintenance and preparedness, highlighting the need for urgent upgrades to prevent future crises during adverse weather.

Kagnadhar and other Parts of Shimla Reels under Complete Blackout after Snowfall Exposed Chinks in Top- heavy HPSEBL

As Boston and Shimla brace for significant snowfall, both regions are implementing measures to mitigate the impact of the storms. While the snow brings much-needed moisture to agricultural areas, it also poses challenges for travel and infrastructure, underscoring the importance of preparedness in the face of extreme weather events.

FIRST ALERT: Dangerous cold sets in before up to 20 inches of snowfall